Strathmore

Alberta’s government is taking another step toward giving municipalities the option of ditching the RCMP in favour of a new provincial police service.

Public Safety Minister Mike Ellis says an independent Alberta service could step in to help address concerns he's heard about the Mounties' staffing shortages and rising costs.

If passed, a proposed bill would mean a new agency must operate under a Crown corporation that would be at arm's length from the government.

“I want to bring it back to, okay, why did you start? What makes your heart sing? What can we bring back to the work you do each day that makes you want to show up again?”

Vibrant Systems, run and owned by Danielle Hauck, is a consulting-based company that connects communities, businesses, and people back to what matters most.

“We’re all so focused on these big picture things nowadays that we forget what really matters outside our front doors,” Hauck shares. “What really matters in our local communities- that’s where I like to work, because that’s where my values are.”

With only three weeks away to the Canadian federal election, the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan (APAS) are ensuring that agriculture is top of mind for campaigning parties by announcing a new strategic agenda called Unleashing Agriculture for Canada's Growth. Jeremy Welter, vice-president with APAS, talks about the need to improve Canadian agriculture and make it a point of focus for the federal government. 

Ottawa police have released the name of the person they say was behind a massive security incident on Parliament Hill over the weekend.

Police say Tyler Hall-Worthington, a 31-year-old Ottawa man, has been charged in connection with the lockdown Saturday afternoon at East Block, a building in the parliamentary precinct that mainly houses offices for senators and their staff.

An Ottawa police spokesperson told The Canadian Press that the suspect was still in custody as of Monday morning.

The Liberal and Conservative leaders both started the third week of the federal election campaign in British Columbia — a battleground province with 43 seats up for grabs when Canadians go to the polls.

The Liberals pledged environmental conservation measures and support for seniors, while the Tories offered more efficient approvals for resource projects.

Lil Hoots Children's Boutique is offering free bikes to the community.

Earlier this month the Strathmore-based company announced the launch of its annual bike program.

According to owners Ashleigh and Debbie Enslen, staff with Joker Bicycle Co. fix old bikes and return them to the store for residents to take for free.

"People can come, pick up a bike for their children, and just be able to see their kids riding around on the bike," said Debbie. 

The pomp and pageantry of the RCMP Musical Ride are returning to the Strathmore Stampede this year.

In honour of the annual event, the RCMP is asking residents for help naming up to 10 of its new foals which could be featured in a future event.

The contest kicked off April 1, and police say there are only a few rules like participants must be 14 years old or younger, provide a name that starts with the letter B and has a maximum of 12 letters, and reside in Canada.

The winners will be announced on the RCMP's website and social media in May.

The boil water advisory in the Village of Beiseker has been lifted.

According to Alberta Health Services, the water is now safe to drink.

"We appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation during this time," the village said in a Facebook post.

The advisory was originally issued on April 2.

A building in Gleichen was completely destroyed in a fire early Monday morning.

Firefighters from across Wheatland County were dispatched to the blaze.

Mark Duguay, fire chief with the Standard Fire Association, said that when crews arrived, the building was fully engulfed in flames.

"We started putting the fire out as best we could with what we had, and then we called in some more manpower just to make sure we had everything under control," he said.

A road in Chestermere will be closed for the next 10 days due to utility work.

According to the city, ATCO will install shallow utility lines on the road connecting Waterford Drive and Dawson Drive.

"As a result, this road will be closed to public access," wrote the city on its website.

The work begins Monday, Apr. 7, and will run until Apr. 17.